International > Russia and Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been suspended as honorary president of the International Judo Federation (IJF), the sport’s governing body announced on Sunday, due to his invasion of Ukraine.
The invasion of Russia by land, air and sea on Thursday followed a declaration of war by Putin.
A black belt in judo, the 69-year-old president is an enthusiastic practitioner of the discipline and is the co-author of a book entitled Judo: History, Theory, Practice.
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“In light of the ongoing war conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of Mr. Vladimir Putin’s status as honorary president and ambassador of the International Judo Federation,” the IJF said in a statement.
The IJF said on Friday that it had canceled a May 20-22 event in Russia.
“The International Judo Federation announces with regret the cancellation of the 2022 Grand Slam in Kazan, Russia,” said IJF President Marius Vizer.
Editing: Emilio Gomez
